The FBI,
Hoover police, the Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement
agencies are planning on using the mall as a training ground to practice
responding to a complex terrorist attack, according to a news release from FBI
Birmingham spokesman Paul Daymond.

The
exercise, which starts around 10 p.m., is the final phase of an initiative to
boost preparedness among local law enforcement that started in 2013.

It's
scheduled to keep from interfering with the mall's normal operations, according
to the release. The public is asked to avoid the area during the exercise.

"While this
exercise is not in direct response to any incident, it is important for the FBI
and our state, local and federal partners to be prepared and to constantly
maintain that preparedness. In a
terrorism or active shooter incident, or any other similar situation, we work
side by side with our law enforcement partners, and it's important to exercise
our joint capabilities," said Richard D. Schwein Jr., the special agent in
charge of the FBI in Birmingham. "I truly appreciate the assistance of Chief
Derzis and his staff, the management and security staff of the Riverchase
Galleria and particularly the public for their patience during this event."

The agencies
participating also include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms,
Birmingham police, Homewood police, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, the
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Hoover EMS and the fire department, and
Riverchase Galleria mall security.

"We appreciate
the opportunity to train with our law enforcement partners," Hoover Police
Chief Nick Derzis said in the release. "We know training is the key to saving
lives when an event occurs."